Greenlanders Voice Alarm Over Trump’s Renewed Push to Control Island:

Lisa Solrun Christiansen, a 57-year-old Greenlander, begins most mornings at 4 a.m., crafting traditional wool sweaters that showcase the island's Inuit heritage. But her routine is now frequently interrupted by unsettling headlines about U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland.

Christiansen, daughter of Inuit and Danish parents, holds deep emotional ties to the land. Her late father, who designed Greenland’s red-and-white flag, hoped it would symbolize unity. Now, the island faces uncertainty amid geopolitical tensions between the U.S., Russia, and China.

Political Anxiety Grows Amid American Visits

Greenlanders fear their homeland, a self-governing territory under Denmark, is becoming a strategic pawn. Recent visits by U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance’s wife and key cabinet members, have fueled suspicions. Trump's recent remarks on possible military build-up added to the anxiety, especially after local voters elected a new parliament opposed to any U.S. takeover.

Outgoing Prime Minister Múte Boroup Egede emphasized that Greenland’s democratic integrity must be respected and protected from foreign interference.

Greenland’s Long-Standing Quest for Independence

Since the 2009 Greenland Self-Government Act, the island has had the right to decide its future, recognized by both Denmark and the United Nations. Most residents support eventual independence but are wary of exchanging Danish rule for U.S. control.

Experts argue Trump’s aggressive approach could backfire, reinforcing Greenland’s national identity. Otto Svendsen, an Arctic specialist, believes the situation has increased unity among Greenlanders in defense of their sovereignty.

Strategic Stakes in the Arctic

Greenland holds immense value due to its location and mineral wealth. The U.S. maintains the Pituffik Space Base there, aiding missile tracking and space surveillance. As melting ice unlocks new Arctic routes, the territory’s geopolitical importance grows.

Trump’s public push for control, citing national security, echoes past U.S. interests dating back to World War II. Although his earlier attempts were dismissed, he has now taken a more aggressive stance, even mentioning potential action during a Congressional speech.

Local Support for Partnership, Not Annexation

While most Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the U.S., some advocate for closer ties. Jørgen Boassen, a Trump supporter and founder of American Daybreak, envisions a model similar to the Marshall Islands—a sovereign nation with U.S. defense support.

Boassen, critical of Denmark’s colonial past, still supports independence but believes the U.S. could play a positive role—if on Greenland’s terms.

Greenlanders Call for Unity and Autonomy

Despite internal differences, Greenlanders agree on one core issue: the decision about their future must remain theirs. As Lisa Christiansen continued knitting by the coast, she echoed a widely shared sentiment—“We have to stand together.”